Project Lead The Way – Alaska PreK-8 Expansion Opportunity Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. Through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, we empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and transportable skills to thrive in an evolving world. With approximately 14,000 programs in more than 11,500 schools nationwide, millions of students currently engage in PLTW’s transformative learning experiences. PLTW programs can be found in all types of schools – public, private, charter, and specialized academies – in urban, rural, and suburban settings. Furthermore, our approach to professional development infuses a new way of teaching into the classroom. Through PLTW Professional Development, teachers learn how to lead the engaging PLTW experience in their classroom; they learn to facilitate and coach and become comfortable in these roles as their students soar to new heights. To date, we have trained more than 55,000 teachers to instruct PLTW’s engaging, relevant curriculum. We have been engaging with districts and schools in Alaska since 2007. Currently, eight districts are implementing PLTW programs. Within these districts, 31 schools are offering 37 distinct PreK-12 PLTW programs: • 1 PLTW Launch (grades PreK-5) • 20 PLTW Gateway (grades 6-8) • 16 PLTW high school programs (grades 9-12) o 3 PLTW Computer Science o 9 PLTW Engineering o 4 PLTW Biomedical Science We are committed to partnering with the state of Alaska and communities across the state to align education and workforce needs, no matter the demographics or setting. As such, we will be releasing the following PLTW Alaska Opportunity for eligible Alaska districts and schools. All Alaska “remote-rural” schools with a 75 percent or higher free and reduced lunch-eligible student population will be eligible for a three-year opportunity that provides 50 percent of the value of the PLTW Participation Fee for new PLTW Launch or new PLTW Gateway programs:
This represents approximately 45 districts and 240 schools that meet the eligibility and represents a total opportunity of up to $270,000 that PLTW is committing to Alaska districts and schools to implement PLTW programs. This opportunity will be applied to an eligible school’s account following program registration. Additionally, we will continue to collaborate to explore ways to remove PLTW program implementation barriers that may exist for rural and remote schools in the state. This includes alternative implementation strategies regarding teacher training and purchasing of required equipment and supplies for all PLTW programs. For additional information on this PLTW Launch and PLTW Gateway price adjustment, including questions on implementation, please contact Diane Lashinsky at
[email protected] or (206) 743-4035 and Patrick Irwin at
[email protected] or (317) 669-0269.
© 2018 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Empowering students to thrive in an evolving world Transformational Learning Experience Project Lead The Way is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. We create an engaging environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. Through our pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, students learn problem-solving strategies, critical and creative thinking, and how to communicate and collaborate. Students apply knowledge from a variety of disciplines as they engage in hands-on activities, projects, and problems reflective of real-world scenarios and careers. Unmatched Professional Development Teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students to lead their own learning. We strive to be a trusted partner in this effort. Our goal is to provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students. Through PLTW professional development, teachers are quickly immersed in the PLTW approach and empowered to bring the curriculum to life in their classrooms. Whether it’s our three-day PLTW Launch training or our two-week high school training, we’re preparing teachers with the skills and tools they need to inspire students. PLTW professional development sparks a renewed enthusiasm for teaching and provides a network of colleagues willing to help any time. In-demand Skills for Any Path Students Choose PLTW makes a positive impact on student motivation and achievement, high school and college attainment, and career interest in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In fact, a study has shown that PLTW high school graduates are nearly three times as likely to major in STEM versus non-PLTW graduates1. A study has also found that PLTW students in Texas scored higher on the state’s mathematics assessment and were more prepared for higher education institutions in the state2. PLTW prepares students to make a lasting difference in their communities and companies. 1
Pike, Gary and Kirsten Robbins (2014). Using Propensity Scores to Evaluate Education Programs. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis.
2
Van Overschelde, James P. (Spring 2013). Project Lead The Way Students More Prepared For Higher Education. Texas State University. American Journal of Engineering Education, 4(1).
Inspiring students to question what’s possible PLTW Programs for K-12 PLTW Launch (K-5) taps into students’ exploratory nature, engages them in learning that feels like play, and encourages them to keep discovering – now and for years to come. Whether designing a car safety belt or building digital animations, students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and learn to try and try again when faced with challenges. This program has 24 interdisciplinary 10-hour modules. PLTW Gateway (6-8) illuminates the range of paths and possibilities students can look forward to in high school and beyond. Students apply knowledge and skill from a variety of disciplines, including all three PLTW pathways, in the program’s nine-week units. Tackling challenges like designing tires for a moon rover, cleaning up an oil spill, or solving a medical mystery, students learn to test their limits and connect what they learn in the classroom to making a real-world impact. PLTW Computer Science (9-12) engages students in real-world activities like creating an online art portal or using automation to process and analyze DNA-sequence data. These projects illustrate how intricately computer science is woven into our society, challenge students to apply computational thinking and logic to solve big problems, and transform students into builders of tech. This program includes multiple one-year courses. PLTW Engineering (9-12) engages students in collaborative, real-world activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. By pushing themselves to rework and refine their projects, students learn that both failed attempts and perseverance are key to learning and innovation. This program includes multiple one-year courses. PLTW Biomedical Science (9-12) students step into the roles of medical investigators, surgeons, and biomedical engineers. The program’s collaborative, hands-on explorations inspire students to make an impact on the lives of those around them, while preparing them with the know-how and experience to make their ideas a reality. This program includes multiple one-year courses. For course details and standards alignment, visit pltw.org.
3939 Priority Way South Drive, Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46240 pltw.org
pltw.org
Project Lead The Way’s K-12 Curricular Pathways PLTW Programs
Grades K - 5
Grades 6 - 8
Grades 9 - 12
K. Structure and Function: Human Body 1. Animal Adaptations 3. Variation of Traits 4. Input/Output: Human Brain 5. Infection: Detection
Medical Detectives
Principles of Biomedical Science Human Body Systems Medical Interventions Biomedical Innovation
K. Animals and Algorithms 1. Animated Storytelling 2. Grids and Games 3. Programming Patterns 4. Input/Output: Computer Systems 5. Infection: Modeling and Simulation
Computer Science for Innovators and Makers App Creators
Computer Science Essentials Computer Science Principles Computer Science A Cybersecurity (Beta release 2018-19)
K. Structure and Function: Exploring Design K. Pushes and Pulls 1. Light and Sound 1. Light: Observing the Sun, Moon, and Stars 2. Materials Science: Properties of Matter 2. Materials Science: Form and Function 2. The Changing Earth 3. Stability and Motion: Science of Flight 3. Stability and Motion: Forces and Interactions 4. Energy: Collisions 4. Energy: Conversion 5. Robotics and Automation 5. Robotics and Automation: Challenge
Automation and Robotics Design and Modeling Energy and the Environment Flight and Space Green Architecture Magic of Electrons Science of Technology
Introduction to Engineering Design Principles of Engineering Aerospace Engineering Civil Engineering and Architecture Computer Integrated Manufacturing Computer Science Principles Digital Electronics Environmental Sustainability Engineering Design and Development
Engineering
Biomedical Science
PLTW Gateway
Computer Science
PLTW Launch
All PLTW programs give students opportunities to learn and apply problem-solving strategies, critical and creative thinking, and communication and collaboration skills. The chart above categorizes modules, units and courses by primary pathway focus.
